Internet-based method for construction bid and contract management

Abstract

Method of topologically subdividing and unambiguously defining the scope of work and for inter-linking construction plans/specifications to construction contracts to eliminates errors and uncertainty in contractor performance. Electronic overlays are applied onto the digitized construction plans corresponding to different categories of work. Each overlay is divided into a series of optimized topological subdivision boxes which uniquely identify/locate on the plans work to be performed. Overlays and boxes are linked to the subcontracts so the scope of work to be bid is accurately mapped to corresponding regions and overlay category on the architectural drawings. The Internet-based method provides bi-directional flow of information from various entities involved in the bid process permitting more efficient and effective management of bidding. A central-server remote or distributed host provides transmittal of data, including plans, overlays, contracts, bids, comments, edits, changes and the like via the Internet, operated by a Bid System Service Provider (BSSP).

1 . An electronic business method for construction contract bid and construction management control comprising; 
 a) establishing a website that provides services selected from at least one of construction design inter-linking of specific construction project plan images to related contracts and/or subcontracts for bidding on said contracts and subcontracts, builder and construction project control, and links to affiliates;    b) operating said website to provide said services to user-subscribers, including inputting by a website operator, of specific information in response to user requests, and information and communications to users; and    c) providing and configuring a computer data processing system for said interlinking and website operation.    
     
     
         2 . An electronic business method as in  claim 1  wherein; 
 a) said links to affiliates include that provide services on a referral or commission fee basis, said affiliate including at least one of owner, developer, architects, contractors, engineers, surveyors, subcontractors, lenders, insurers, accounting service providers, legal service providers, and title services.    
     
     
         3 . An electronic business method as in  claim 2  wherein; 
 a) said website operator interactively provides said inter linking services to at least one user subscriber selected from owners, developers, architects, contractors, and subcontractors.    
     
     
         3 . An electronic business method as in  claim 3  wherein; 
 a) said website includes an operator-managed secure project page accessible through said website for interactive display and rendering of linked plans and contracts, and exchange of e-mail information related to the project plan, bidding and construction phases of a particular project.    
     
     
         4 . An electronic business method as in  claim 1  wherein interaction between and among users and said operator is browser and e-mailed enabled.